Job Search Getting You Down?

Long-term job hunting can become depressing and disheartening to almost anyone after certain amount of time. It's a natural feeling to want to throw in the towel, wave the white flag, and hide under your covers for the rest of your life. If you've reached that point of frustration, take a day off from job hunting. Give yourself a vacation from unemployment. That may sound like counterproductive advice, but looking for a new job can often feel like a full-time job in itself. The fact that it does not offer a paycheck can make it even more stressful than actual employment.

Spend a day trying to forget about your unemployed status. Take a look around you and enjoy the little things in life – literally stop and smell the roses. Listen to some good music, spend some time with your kids or enjoy a walk on the beach. Get back in touch with who you are as a person – your interests, hobbies, and your life outside of a job. Remember that you are more than just a paycheck, and it is important to foster your inner self as you move through your job search journey. Losing yourself along the way is the last thing you want to happen, and will likely cause the job search to take even longer.

Prospective employers are tuned in to your energy during an interview and can easily sense the three D's: Desperation, Depression and Dejection. It is imperative that you regain your self-confidence and sense of self worth before you move forward in the interview process for any additional positions. Until you have your feet firmly planted on the ground and a stable hold over your mental status, continuing the job search will be futile and you will only end up with more frustration. And while we all recognize the importance of a paycheck, you won't get one any faster with the three D's hanging around.

Once you have re-centered yourself and you have regained your confidence, rethink your previous job search strategy entirely. Be sure that you are connecting with as many contacts as humanly possible – network, network, network! Instead of constantly searching for job openings, choose companies where you might like to work and try to find a contact within the ranks there. The vast majority of jobs are not advertised through traditional methods, and will likely be filled by word-of-mouth. Staying connected and constantly growing your network will ensure that you are privy to unadvertised job openings, giving you valuable inside information.

Don't make yourself crazy with thousands of resume revisions. It is important to keep it up to date, but don't go overboard. If you are fearful that you are under-qualified, stay focused on the positive parts of your resume and impress prospective employers with your optimistic frame of mind. The most important part of your job search lies within yourself, and as long as you are fully centered while giving it your best shot, it's highly likely that your next paid position is just around the corner.

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Careerminds provides scalable, strategic solutions to organizations seeking affordable, web-based outplacement services. Using a Web 2.0 e-learning platform that delivers affordable, online career transition services, Careerminds provides a high-tech and high-touch blend of on-demand career transition education supported by senior-level career consultants to help displaced workers reenter the workforce quickly.

Are You an Entrepreneur Waiting to Happen?

If you feel like you’re constantly moving from one job to the next, or if you feel overly qualified for your current position, consider the possibility that maybe you’re actually an entrepreneur on the inside. Oftentimes, employees who report feeling smarter than everyone they work with, or butting heads with their superiors, simply aren’t cut out for a traditional work environment.

While it’s true that entrepreneurs sometimes come off as arrogant and overly self-assured, those qualities are integral when it comes to creating running your own business. Other important qualities all successful entrepreneurs possess include: a desire for freedom and a head full of ideas. These qualities naturally don’t mesh well in the corporate world, but entrepreneurship allows for flexible work hours and requires big ideas. Many successful entrepreneurs report having had an ‘aha’ moment when they realized that they would never be happy working a 9-5 job.

If you’re considering opting out of the corporate world in favor of starting your own business, take a look at the following actionable items that make entrepreneurs successful:

• Innovative and well thought-out personal branding
  In order to be successful, entrepreneurs MUST be doing what they love. Take a lot of time to think about your passions and talents, and how you can make them into a marketable brand.
• Shameless self-promotion
  Once you’ve created a brand, success isn’t going to come and jump on your lap. Entrepreneurs who have become successful realized that early. Of course, there is a fine line between promotion and annoyance, so all self-promotion must be done with finesse.
• Organization and focus
  Working in a home office introduces a multitude of distractions that can quickly lead to the failure of your brand. Create a plan for everything, and stick to it as much as possible.
• Connecting with a network
  Many entrepreneurs-in-the-making already have a network to connect with and they just don’t realize it. Chances are good that if you have an entrepreneurial spirit, you also have friends and connections with similar passions.
• Demonstrating  expertise
  It’s important that prospective customers see you as an expert in your field. Think about it - when you have a need for a service, do you call an expert or settle for a novice?
• Finding shortcuts
  Entrepreneurs are no longer required to put in an eight hour work day even if all of their work is completed. Taking shortcuts and pushing boundaries are now encouraged and can improve your productivity as well as your success level.

If you felt yourself nodding along as you read the above action list, it’s quite possible that you are an entrepreneur waiting to happen. Maybe your employment history is lackluster for a reason. Take a moment for reflection, find your passion, and maybe even take the leap.

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Careerminds provides scalable, strategic solutions to organizations seeking affordable, web-based outplacement services. Using a Web 2.0 e-learning platform that delivers affordable, online career transition services, Careerminds provides a high-tech and high-touch blend of on-demand career transition education supported by senior-level career consultants to help displaced workers reenter the workforce quickly.

Follow-up, Follow-up, Follow-up

Jennifer Fry
Careerminds Consultant

Follow-up is a necessary step in the career transition process-- if you frequent this blog, it's no surprise that you know this by now, but the fact remains that many job seekers simply don't do it. We've all been there: you submit several resumes to a variety of companies, and weeks pass without hearing anything back. Here's lies a fork in the road-- do you call and check in on the process, or do you sit at home waiting for the phone to ring? I'm sure we all know the right answer, but, again, that doesn't mean we always follow our own advice.
Some job seekers are wary of making follow-up calls or sending emails for fear of seeming obnoxious or desperate, but as long as you follow up with tact, you shouldn't have a problem. The goal is to come off as interested and tenacious after having submitting an application, interviewing, or just meeting a new network connection. Here are a few tips to keep from sending the wrong message:

• Allow for some, but not too much time to pass before following up. Usually a week to 10 days is appropriate. Remember, sorting through applicants may not be the only responsibility of the manager in charge of hiring, so in the same vein, allow a few days for him/her to respond if you leave a voicemail or send an email.
• Keep your follow-up concise. Either over the phone or in an email, know what you want to say, always have a relevant question to ask (i.e.: Have you received my materials, and is there anything else I could provide? When do you expect to begin interviewing?), and don't deviate or ramble too much. Again, this person's time is not solely dedicated to the one task of making this hire.
• Consider writing a short script of what you'd like to say over the phone. While it's best not to memorize the script, it may be helpful to flesh out your thoughts ahead of time to avoid stumbling over your words, especially if you are nervous.
• Lastly, don't over do it. If you are afraid of coming off as pushy or annoying, remember that it's not necessary or advised to make several calls regarding the same application or the same interview. If you call once and do not get through, give the employer a few days to return your call. Only if you don't hear back within a week would be advised to try again, and probably only once more.

Now that we've covered how to (or not to) follow up, let's review when to follow up.

• After submitting an application/resume. Once you've allow a week or two to pass, consider calling or emailing the hiring manager to inquire about the receipt of your application and the expected timeline of the hiring process-- perhaps the company will be accepting application for another week, and only then will the interviews be scheduled.
• After an interview. Hopefully you will have already asked about the expected timeline for hiring, so your post-interview follow-up should be conducted accordingly. If the hiring manager indicated that he/she would begin scheduling second interviews in a week, for instance, allow that much time before calling to check in.
• After making a new professional connection. This one may be unexpected, or at least unthought-of in the typical follow-up protocol, but you should absolutely call or email a new network connection soon after meeting him/her, particularly if he/she works for one of your desired companies. Here's what to do:

1. Take the first step. After you exchange business cards, make the call or send an email soon-- the next day is ok. The longer you wait, the tougher it will be to really establish a connection.
2. Offer a reminder. At the beginning of the call or email, be sure to reintroduce yourself, mention where the two of you met, and reference your previous conversation.
3. Indicate your professional interest. Let him/her know that you are interested in working about Company XYZ, and that, based on his/her description of its needs, perhaps, you feel as though you could make a valuable addition to its team.
4. Propose a brief 2nd meeting. Whether or not your second conversation is in person or over the phone, which may be easier, schedule a meeting dedicated to discussing the company and your possible place therein.
5. Remember to reciprocate. This type of follow-up is focused far more on the networking aspect of job seeking than the others, and remember that networking is a two-way street. Let your new connection know how you can offer to help him/her, as well.

Although most professionals have heard about the importance of following up during the job search, many of us are hesitant to do it. But remember that, if done properly, following up after submitting your resume, having an interview or just meeting someone new can offer you peace of mind, knowing that your application was received successfully, or that you will stand out from the rest after contacting an employer to check in, and it can offer a potential employer confidence that you are passionate about your work and very interested in joining his/her company's team.

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Careerminds provides scalable, strategic solutions to organizations seeking affordable, web-based outplacement services. Using a Web 2.0 e-learning platform that delivers affordable, online career transition services, Careerminds provides a high-tech and high-touch blend of on-demand career transition education supported by senior-level career consultants to help displaced workers reenter the workforce quickly.

Turning a Summer Job into a Fall, Winter & Spring Job, Too

Jennifer Fry
Careerminds Consultant

It's that time of year, again: summer. And students, recent graduates, and some experienced professionals are on the search for summer jobs to add to their resumes, provide a little extra cash, and even act as a starting point for a full-time, year-round position.
For those students who are headed back to class in the fall, a temporary job is a great way to earn a some spending (or saving) money over the summer, but for those who have just graduated this spring and for other professionals who are well out of school but looking for work, a part-time gig during the summer months may be just what they need to get their foot in the door at a company that could offer a full-time job once the season changes. If this sounds like an opportunity that you'd be interested in, check out these tips on how to turn part-time into full-time when the air starts getting colder.

• Research companies that are hiring. Some companies are known for hiring from within, and if you can find an internship or part-time employment with one of them, it is more likely that you will be given the chance to stay with the company after the summer ends. Enterprise Rent-A-Car, for instance, is a nationwide organization that is well-known for providing opportunities for growth and promotion.
• Express your interest to your employer. Although you're happy and eager to complete your part-time responsibilities as they stand, it's a good idea to let your employer know that you would also happily and eagerly fulfill full-time duties if/when they become available. There may not be any such positions available at the time, but when they do become available, your name will already be on your employer's mind. You can also check if there are any other steps that you'd need to take to be officially considered for a full-time position (i.e.: contacting HR or completing a new application).
• Do your job well and enthusiastically. Be sure to complete projects correctly, asking questions if necessary, and in a timely fashion, and come in everyday prepared to do just that. Offer to take on additional duties if you can-- don't rush through projects just so that you can take on more-- and happily accept them if they are given to your without asking. That just means your employer trusts you to get the job done-- it's a great sign! In addition, learn all that you can about your position, and the goals and values of the company. Employers truly value employees who are passionate about their work and the company, and if you can express that over the summer, it may be tougher for your employer to see you go.
• Get involved with the company. Don't be afraid to speak up during meetings or offer your opinions and ideas when you're working on a project. Employers look for individuals who can add valuable skills and knowledge to the company, whether those individuals are full-time employees or not. Additionally, if your company is involved in volunteer projects, offer to help out-- spend a day at the annual food drive, join the company's team at the charity 5K walk, etc.

You may think of the summer as a time for vacationing at the beach or lounging poolside, but for job seekers, it could be the perfect time of year to find a great part-time job that could very well be there even when the weather cools off-- and you can't say that about that beach!

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Careerminds provides scalable, strategic solutions to organizations seeking affordable, web-based outplacement services. Using a Web 2.0 e-learning platform that delivers affordable, online career transition services, Careerminds provides a high-tech and high-touch blend of on-demand career transition education supported by senior-level career consultants to help displaced workers reenter the workforce quickly.

Juggling Job Offers

Jennifer Fry
Careerminds Consultant

During your career transition, it is extremely likely that you will submit resumes and applications to multiple employers with the hopes of being invited for an interview with each of them, impressing the pants off each of them, and receiving offers from each of them. Unfortunately, the likelihood of getting an offer for every single position for which you apply is fairly slim, but that certainly doesn't mean that you will not be faced with more than one offer.
If you find yourself in this position, there may be a couple of questions on your mind: 1. how do I get one employer to wait while I'm waiting to hear from another, or while I'm making my decision? and 2. how do I choose between more than one employer/position? We're here to advise you on both.
Question #1:
To begin, it can seem troublesome to ask one employer to wait for your response to an offer, but if you're choosing between two or more offers or potential offers, it is necessary to give yourself a little bit of time to think it through. You don't want to make a snap decision, especially one that will effect your career. Even job seekers who are offered one position commonly request a short amount of time to think it over, or discuss it with their families, so don't fret that you're expecting something out of the ordinary.
If you need time to decide between more than one position, you are likely in one of two situations: you've received offers from multiple employers around the same time, or you have received one offer, but you're waiting for or expecting to receive another from a more appealing employer. Either way, you've got a choice to make, but depending on the situation, you may need to handle thing differently.

• For the first siuation, you simply need to request an exact amount of time to consider your options, which typically ranges anywhere from 5-10 business days, depending on the pace at which things are moving during the hiring process-- if the process has been moving fairly quickly, the employer will likely prefer to allow you fewer days to think things through, as they are likely in a rush to fill the position and start training. You don't need to tell an employer that you're choosing between them and another organization-- in fact, it's probably to your benefit to avoid telling them that explicitly, as it could damage your perceived committment to or enthusiasm for the organization at hand. You only need to explain to them that you'd like ____ days to consider their offer, and, if that is acceptable, you will contact them via telephone, email, whatever you'd like (but specify how they will hear from you) by a particular time on a particular day, and absolutely stick to your own deadline.

• For second type of situation, however, the process may be slightly altered. Perhaps you've gotten an offer from one organization, but you'd really like to hear from another before you make your decision-- maybe the second position will offer a higher salary, or better benefits, or just a better professional opportunity for you in the long run. Whatever your reason, it is best to be open with all parties involved. Upon receiving the first offer, you will need to request time to consider it, as stipulated in the previous situation, but it could do some good to explain that there are other organizations/positions concerned in your decision, in this case. By letting all employers know that more than one potential job offer is in the mix, you could speed up the process for the employer on whom you're still waiting-- but don't expect them to rush into making you an offer because you've asked for one-- and/or you could receive useful feedback that can help with your decision. If you contact the second employer, for instance, who is still conducting interviews, and they explain that they are unable to make a formal offer at the time, but that the hiring manager was very impressed, it can be inferred that you are, at the time, at the front of the pack. That's not a guaranteed in, of course, but it may be a good reason to wait it out, especially if you prefer this employer over the other for whatever reason.

Question #2:
Now that you've gotten the time you need to mull things over, what exactly should you consider? There is no single common deciding factor for all job seekers considering all positions at all companies; it's really dependent upon your individual situation and what you want/need out of your job at the time. Here are a few points that may or may not affect your choice:

• Salary/benefits- If one employer simply isn't offering the right salary to afford a living, or an insurance package that will cover your whole family, for instance, that could be a deal breaker. Don't turn down an offer just because they aren't offering you a fortune, though, especially if it will benefit your career and life in other ways.
• Location- The simple fact that one office is closer to home than another could be a deciding factor, especially depending on your mode of transportation-- paying for public transport, filling up the gas tank, etc.-- and your home life. A professional with a family, for instance, may prefer to stay closer to home to allow for less commute time and more family time at the end of the day.
• Day-to-day responsibilities- Consider what your average day will be like in this position. Will you be working late a lot? Would you be required to travel frequently? Is any of this out of the ordinary compared to your previous position, and could any of this affect your home life in a negative way? This job is going to be your everyday routine, and if that routine is something that you don't really want or can't really handle, for whatever reason, it may not be the right choice.
• Long-term affects- Have a long-term career plan, and think about how this position will fit into it. Is this the job that will help you reach your ultimate goal? Or is it simply a job to fill in some space until you find the one that will help you achieve your goal?

Juggling job offers may seem like a lot of work, and the decision you will need to make could be tough, but in the end, your choice should be considered a victory-- you applied for a position you wanted, you aced the interview, and you got the job!

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Careerminds provides scalable, strategic solutions to organizations seeking affordable, web-based outplacement services. Using a Web 2.0 e-learning platform that delivers affordable, online career transition services, Careerminds provides a high-tech and high-touch blend of on-demand career transition education supported by senior-level career consultants to help displaced workers reenter the workforce quickly.

Personal Brand Round-Up

Jennifer Fry
Careerminds Consultant

A lot has been said about personal branding, these days, and some of it has been said right here on this very blog. The personal brand is the among the latest trends among professionals in career transition, so it stands to reason that there is so much information circulating around the Internet, but wouldn't it so much more convenient if all that information were in one place? Well, your wish is our command.
We at Careerminds have had plenty to say about the personal brand and how to present it effectively, and to make it easier for you access and make use of all the information we have to share, we've decided to compile it all in one all-encompassing blog post. So feel free to click around a bit before you step out into the job market with your very own personal brand.

Creating Your Brand

Personal Branding: Make Yourself Your Own Marketing Tool

Selling Your Brand

Personal Niche Marketing

Personal Branding: Putting It All Together

So You Have a Professional Brand? Now Sell It!

Sell Yourself (in) Short

And a Few Ideas For Where to Apply Your Brand

Pinterest For the Job Seeker

New Facebook Features Allow Job Seekers to Get Creative

Video Resumes Via Qwiki

A personal brand is a clear, concise and consistent means by which to present yourself and your abilities to potential employers. Think of the way that commercial brands are presented to consumers, and you'll see why folllowing some of these steps to branding and selling yourself as a professional can make you and your talents more recognizable and memorable.

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Careerminds provides scalable, strategic solutions to organizations seeking affordable, web-based outplacement services. Using a Web 2.0 e-learning platform that delivers affordable, online career transition services, Careerminds provides a high-tech and high-touch blend of on-demand career transition education supported by senior-level career consultants to help displaced workers reenter the workforce quickly.

Tips to Broaden Your Job Search

Jennifer Fry
Careerminds Consultant

You may find that, over the course of your job search, the same old job openings aren't working out for you; they're too few and far between, or you simply don't have the same interest in them as you did before. For many professionals in career transition, this is completely normal. Depending on how long you've been in the industry, it may be time for something new and exciting, or you simply may need to look elsewhere to find better luck. Even graduates fresh out of college may not be completely sure where they're headed, professionally, and may benefit from considering directions they hadn't considered previously.
If, for whatever reason, this is the position you find yourself in, it may seem a bit daunting, as first, to reset your direction, to adjust your application materials, or even to know where to start looking or what to start looking for. Here is a list of tips on how search outside of what's familiar for both experienced professionals and those just starting out.

• Consider the variety of career options that match your skills and experience. There are several ways to do this, including taking aptitude and personality assessments, researching specific industries or occupations, and asking others for information or advice. The Internet is home to a wealth of knowledge, but so are your friends and family. Plus, they know at least a little about your specific skill-set and knowledge, which can help them direct you to a job that you may not have thought of, yourself.
• Evaluate your transferable skills. Certainly, some of the skills that you have acquired during your career or while at school are fairly specific to one occupation or field, but many can be effectively transferred to a number of positions. Soft skills such as time management, leadership, teamwork and communication are desireable to a lot of employers in a lot of industries. Computer literacy, foreign language skills and research skills are also easily transferred. Additionally, depending on how far you intend to stretch from your normal job search, some of those job-specific skills may be transferable, as well.
• Grow and learn. Don't be afraid to learn a few new tricks for your new career path. There are plenty of resources at your disposal, such as lost-cost community college or adult education courses meant to strengthen specific skills (i.e.: computer skills, how to start a business, etc.), and volunteer and internship opportunities.
• You may not have to stray far. If you are currently employed, but looking for something new, consider seeking a different position in your current company instead of looking elsewhere. Ask to get involved with projects you may not ordinarily work on, or simply have a chat with co-workers in other departments that have caught your interest.
• Don't be afraid to do it yourself. If you want something new and exciting, the answer may be to start a business, yourself. The best things for a new or aspiring entrepreneur to do are to make sure that they are dedicated to their business plans before moving forward, educate themselves on basic business practices (i.e.: finances), research the industry (i.e.: community needs, industry norms, potential investors, etc.), and be aware of the financial reality of starting a new business.

Whether you are a new graduate just starting out, but unsure where to start, or a seasoned pro looking for something new, remember that these changes don't happen overnight, and they should not be decided hastily. If a new career is in your sights, take the time to properly evaluate yourself and do your research before moving ahead.

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Careerminds provides scalable, strategic solutions to organizations seeking affordable, web-based outplacement services. Using a Web 2.0 e-learning platform that delivers affordable, online career transition services, Careerminds provides a high-tech and high-touch blend of on-demand career transition education supported by senior-level career consultants to help displaced workers reenter the workforce quickly.

The DiSC Assessment & the Job Seeker

Jennifer Fry
Careerminds Consultant

You may be familiar with the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, but other such tests exist to assess personality type and personal preferences that may indicate deeper traits. As we discussed in a previous post, your Meyers-Briggs type can help you determine how you'll function in the work environment, potentially helping steer you to the best career or company for you, and the same holds true for the DiSC Assessment. And what's more than your own preference in work environments is an employer's assessment of your personality or cultural fit in his/her organization, which has been identified as a deciding factor during the hiring process.
Making use of work developed in 1928, the DiSC Assessment is a collection of psychological inventories used to examine an individual's behavior and indicate traits. Four aspects of behavior, Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Compliance, are measured by the assessment using word associations. The four dimensions fit into a 2x2 grid, with "D" and "I" in the top two squares, and "S" and "C" in the bottom two. The top row represents extroverted traits, while the bottom row represents introverted traits; the left side column represents task-focused aspects, and the right side column represents social aspects. The chart below illustrates the rows and columns.

As you can see in the chart, higher or lower scores in each of the four dimensions indicates personality traits or behaviors.

• "D" Score = High "D" scores indicate active involvement in problem solving, whereas low "D" scores indicate a desire to carefully research and prepare before committing to an action.
• "I" Score = People with high "I" scores are able influence others through talking, activity and emotional appeals, and people with low "I" scores tend to influence others using data and facts to back up claims.
• "S" Score = High "S" scores indicate a need for security, consistency and routine, while low "S" scores indicate a need for variety and excitement.
• "C" Score = People with high "C" scores tend to comply with established rules and norms, where people with low "C" scores seek independence.

You can see from these brief descriptions of the qualities identified by the DiSC Assessment that scores on each aspect can really indicate distinct qualities and tendencies that can affect the way that you solve problems, complete tasks, follow policies and work with others, all of which are important to you and to your employer.

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Careerminds provides scalable, strategic solutions to organizations seeking affordable, web-based outplacement services. Using a Web 2.0 e-learning platform that delivers affordable, online career transition services, Careerminds provides a high-tech and high-touch blend of on-demand career transition education supported by senior-level career consultants to help displaced workers reenter the workforce quickly.

Take Your Job Search Anywhere and Everywhere

Jennifer Fry
Careerminds Consultant

These days, much of the job search process happens online, in front of a computer screen-- searching for open positions, writing resumes and cover letters, submitting applications, even networking. The trouble is, you may be on the go, but your computer, even a laptop, isn't. It's just not practical to carry around your laptop everywhere you go, but your smart phone is another story.
Smart phone and tablet apps are making the job search a mobile activity, allowing users in career transition to browse job listings, organize contacts, manage documents and more from anywhere. According to a 2011 survey, approximately 77% of job seekers are using smartphones or tablets in some capacity, most taking advantage of mobile apps to quickly access and react to new job openings-- imagine, you could discover a newly open position, spruce up your resume, and submit your application, all without having to wait until you finish running errands!
While this survey cites that most job seekers, or at least those using mobile apps, stick to Android, every smart phone and tablet platform has a variety of relevant options. Some are available for free, while others may cost anywhere from 99¢ to $9.99, but each serve their own purpose to their own effect, so take these factors into consideration when browsing your phone or tablet's app store.

• Monster.com, CareerBuilder, and Indeed.com all have their own apps, as do many other job board websites, and best of all, these three apps are free to iPhone and Android users. Job Finder may also be particularly useful, as it aggregates results from multiple job boards and organizes them for you into one neat list. This app costs only 99¢.
• Social media apps are available on most every platform, and can be helpful in keeping up with your network and all the important information that shows up on your feed during the day, and for staying engaged in relevant conversations. Even some mobile phones that are not smart phones may be able to access these sites. Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn apps are typically always free.
• ABContacts and Lunchmeet are both apps that can help you keep your contacts organized and set up personal meetings. ABContacts ($3.99 with a free version available, as well) groups your contacts based on particular standards that you can customize-- create groups based on company, job title, location, etc.-- and this app can be integrated with Outlook. Lunchmeet (free) allows you to search for appropriate restaurants if you've already got a business lunch or dinner planned. Or you can search for contacts and fellow job seekers to meet if you're planning to eat out but you've not yet planned to meet anyone. This app is accessible through your LinkedIn account.
• BeamME and Blackberry Card Reader both allow you to share and save business cards over the phone, but these are also among the most expensive options, costing $7.99 and $9.99, respectively. With BeamME, you can create and send your virtual card to any mobile device or computer, and it's available as a free, limited version, as well. Blackberry Card Reader can scan and organize business cards that you receive at networking events, meetings, etc. and transfer the information to your phone's contacts.
• Lastly, apps like Documents to Go (free) allow you to access important job search documents (i.e.: Word Documents, spreadsheets, etc.) from your phone.

If conducting your search wherever and whenever fits your schedule sounds appealing to you, check out some of these apps that can help make it happen.

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Careerminds provides scalable, strategic solutions to organizations seeking affordable, web-based outplacement services. Using a Web 2.0 e-learning platform that delivers affordable, online career transition services, Careerminds provides a high-tech and high-touch blend of on-demand career transition education supported by senior-level career consultants to help displaced workers reenter the workforce quickly

So You Have a Professional Brand? Now Sell It!

Jennifer Fry
Careerminds Consultant

By now, I'm certain that you're familiar with the concept of a personal or professional brand; it's a concrete identity by which you can quickly and accurately describe yourself as a professional, and it's a great way to efficiently sell your skills and abilities to potential employers. Once you've devised your professional brand, however, the question becomes, how do I go about selling this brand effectively? After all, a great brand is nothing if people don't know about it-- at least not if the right people don't know about it.
With the on-going interest personal/professional branding, it's become more important to not only come up with an attention-grabbing brand, but also to market it creatively and effectively. Perhaps some of these ideas will be the right choice for you and your brand.

• Brand your Facebook profile. Employers are becoming increasingly interested in what their employees and potential employees are doing on social networks, so why not take advantage of their interest by putting your brand's best face forward on your profile. Use your profile and cover photos to illustrate your brand and keep the content that you post professional, consistent and relevant to your brand. The Timeline feature makes outlining your experience easier than ever.
• Use video or video features. This technique can be used independently or in conjunction with any number of other marketing tools (i.e.: Facebook, LinkedIn, website, blog, etc). Create a video resume using a storytelling technique or just touching on highlights; provide video footage of presentations you've made, or events you've put together or hosted; ask colleagues, clients or mentors to give testimonials on video. These are only a few ideas, but the possibilities are endless. You could set up an entire YouTube channel to your brand!
• Start blogging. Create and maintain your own industry-relevant blog, or offer to write guest posts for other blogs that you read, which is a great way to put your name and ideas out there while also building your network. Think about what issues keep industry leaders up at night, and address them, and invite readers to ask questions-- thought-leadership will be a major asset to your brand and your job search. Consider integrating your blog with other social media or video components.
• Create a website. The personal website could be falling to wayside while personal blogs are on the rise, but integrating the two could be the best way to provide stable pages with unchanging information plus new, up-to-date content. A website, as opposed to a blog, may allow you to more easily include tabs for "About Me," "Resume," "Testimonials," "Blog," "What I Can Do For Your Company," etc. so that some content stays constant, such as "About Me" while your blog content can be updated regularly.

While you don't have to take advantage of every single personal marketing tool there is, and while this list only provides a few possibilities, you and your personal/professional brand will benefit from being available to those who may be interested (i.e.: industry leaders, potential employers, etc). And remember, many of these tools and techniques can be used together, one complimenting the other(s) to be represent you.

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Careerminds provides scalable, strategic solutions to organizations seeking affordable, web-based outplacement services. Using a Web 2.0 e-learning platform that delivers affordable, online career transition services, Careerminds provides a high-tech and high-touch blend of on-demand career transition education supported by senior-level career consultants to help displaced workers reenter the workforce quickly.